David Umahi, Nigeria’s Minister of Works, has explained that the installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras on Lagos’ Third Mainland Bridge aims to deter suicide attempts and curb illegal sand excavation activities.
Speaking on Friday during an appearance on Politics Today, a program on Channels Television, Umahi reiterated the government’s earlier announcement from February about the deployment of surveillance cameras on the bridge.
He stated that security personnel would oversee the CCTV footage to enforce traffic regulations, particularly speed limits, and identify any suspicious behavior.
Umahi also highlighted concerns about illegal sand excavation beneath the bridge.
“We’ve set up CCTVs beneath the bridge to detect anyone involved in sand excavation within a 10-kilometre radius,” he explained.
“Along the Third Mainland Bridge, we’ve constructed a monitoring post, where the Navy, Police, Army, and local security personnel will watch the CCTV footage together.”
The minister emphasized that the new system would not only help prevent potential suicide attempts but also stop illegal sand dredging under the bridge.
Also, Umahi updated the public on the progress of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project.
He expressed satisfaction with the ongoing work, noting that 30 kilometres of the highway would be completed in time for President Bola Tinubu’s inauguration of the road on May 25.